CA2056351A1 - Decorative panel with invisible tear seam - Google Patents
Decorative panel with invisible tear seamInfo
- Publication number
- CA2056351A1 CA2056351A1 CA002056351A CA2056351A CA2056351A1 CA 2056351 A1 CA2056351 A1 CA 2056351A1 CA 002056351 A CA002056351 A CA 002056351A CA 2056351 A CA2056351 A CA 2056351A CA 2056351 A1 CA2056351 A1 CA 2056351A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- seam line
- layer
- along
- air bag
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/20—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
- B60R21/215—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
- B60R21/2165—Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Air Bags (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Vehicle Interior And Exterior Ornaments, Soundproofing, And Insulation (AREA)
Abstract
DECORATIVE PANEL WITH INVISIBLE TEAR SEAM
ABSTRACT
A passenger vehicle has a dashboard having a decorative panel for covering an air bag assembly installation and enable deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation. The panel comprises a thermoplastic inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined H-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a door in the panel and a flexible vinyl outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section on its inner surface forming the seam line. An intermediate resilient olefin foam layer or a polyurethane foam layer of equivalent strength having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line completely fills the void between the inner and outer layers and is adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers. The outer skin along the tear seam line is fractured by inflation of the air bag to break the loose to pivot open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
ABSTRACT
A passenger vehicle has a dashboard having a decorative panel for covering an air bag assembly installation and enable deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation. The panel comprises a thermoplastic inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined H-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a door in the panel and a flexible vinyl outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section on its inner surface forming the seam line. An intermediate resilient olefin foam layer or a polyurethane foam layer of equivalent strength having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line completely fills the void between the inner and outer layers and is adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers. The outer skin along the tear seam line is fractured by inflation of the air bag to break the loose to pivot open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
Description
P-501 DRD - 1 - 20563~1 DECORATIVE PANEL WITH INVISIBLE TEAR SEAM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to vehicle decorative panels for concealing an air bag located in a storage compartment and, more particularly, to a door covering the compartment defined by an invisible tear seam line in the panel outer surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An increasing number of passenger lS vehicles manufactured today are equipped with supplemental inflatable restraints for vehicle occupants; these are commonly known as air bags.
Currently, the air bag provided for the vehicle driver is mounted in a storage compartment located in the vehicle steering column. The air bag for the front seat passenger is located in a storage compartment located beneath the vehicle dash board.
- It is conventional for the steering wheel hub or ~or the dash board to incorporate a door formed in a decorative panel. This door is normally P-501 DRD - 2 - 2~3~
rectangular and is separate from the surrounding panel area so that it can be swung open by the deploying air bag upon inflation.
Some of these air bag doors comprise a portion of the panel defined by a U-shaped tear seam line of weakened panel outer skin material. This outer skin is backed by a continuous layer of foam material which is foamed in situ against the outer skin in a mold. This tear seam line is fractured by the inflating air bag so that the door tears the foam and swings open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the tear line, to enable the air bag to properly deploy.
Unfortunately, this conventional process of foaming the intermediate foam layer against the skin in a mold frequently results in a sagging of the outer skin as the foam contracts slightly upon process completion. This phenomenon is caused by the inconsistent thickness of the outer skin layer. This slight depression is perceptible to vehicle occupants and presents a definite styling drawback, especially in the more expensive vehicles.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to vehicle decorative panels for concealing an air bag located in a storage compartment and, more particularly, to a door covering the compartment defined by an invisible tear seam line in the panel outer surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An increasing number of passenger lS vehicles manufactured today are equipped with supplemental inflatable restraints for vehicle occupants; these are commonly known as air bags.
Currently, the air bag provided for the vehicle driver is mounted in a storage compartment located in the vehicle steering column. The air bag for the front seat passenger is located in a storage compartment located beneath the vehicle dash board.
- It is conventional for the steering wheel hub or ~or the dash board to incorporate a door formed in a decorative panel. This door is normally P-501 DRD - 2 - 2~3~
rectangular and is separate from the surrounding panel area so that it can be swung open by the deploying air bag upon inflation.
Some of these air bag doors comprise a portion of the panel defined by a U-shaped tear seam line of weakened panel outer skin material. This outer skin is backed by a continuous layer of foam material which is foamed in situ against the outer skin in a mold. This tear seam line is fractured by the inflating air bag so that the door tears the foam and swings open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the tear line, to enable the air bag to properly deploy.
Unfortunately, this conventional process of foaming the intermediate foam layer against the skin in a mold frequently results in a sagging of the outer skin as the foam contracts slightly upon process completion. This phenomenon is caused by the inconsistent thickness of the outer skin layer. This slight depression is perceptible to vehicle occupants and presents a definite styling drawback, especially in the more expensive vehicles.
2~351 It is quite desirable to provide a decorative panel for a vehicle interior which incorporates a door covering the air bag storage compartment that has a seam line that is invisible, or visually imperceptible, to occupants of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a decorative panel for a covering an air bag storage compartment that includes a door defined by an invisible tear seam line in the panel outer skin.
In accordance with this invention, a composite decorative panel for a vehicle interior having a predetermined tear seam line comprises a rigid inner laver having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line, a flexible outer layer having a weakened section along the seam line created by a depression on its inner surface, and an intermediate layer of resilient foam having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line.
The foam pieces completely fill the void between the 2~63~1 inner and outer layers to completely support the outer layer to render ths seam line invisible and are adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers.
In a preferred embodiment, a decorative panel is provided for covering an air ~ag which is located in a storage compartment in a vehicle interior for deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation. The panel comprises a thermoplastic inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined U-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a door in the panel and a flexible vinyl outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section on its inner surface forming the seam line. An intermediate resilient olefin foam or equivalent strength polyurethane foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line completely fills the void between the inner and outer layers and is adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers.
With this panel construction, only the outer skin along the seam line needs to be torn by inflation of the air bag, since the inner and foam layers include discrete abutting surfaces along the P-501 DRD ~ 5 ~ 2 ~ ~ 6 3 ~ 1 :
seam line. Thus, the door more easily breaXs loose to pivot open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel. Another advantage is that the outer skin is completely supported to present a smooth visible surface.
These and other features and advantages will become more readily apparent upon reference to the following detailed description of this invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a vehicle air bag installation having a decorative cover panel formed in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2 - 2 of Fig. l; and Fig. 3 is a detail view of a portion of Fig. 2, enlarged to better illustrate the details of construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a decorative panel for a covering an air bag storage compartment that includes a door defined by an invisible tear seam line in the panel outer skin.
In accordance with this invention, a composite decorative panel for a vehicle interior having a predetermined tear seam line comprises a rigid inner laver having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line, a flexible outer layer having a weakened section along the seam line created by a depression on its inner surface, and an intermediate layer of resilient foam having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line.
The foam pieces completely fill the void between the 2~63~1 inner and outer layers to completely support the outer layer to render ths seam line invisible and are adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers.
In a preferred embodiment, a decorative panel is provided for covering an air ~ag which is located in a storage compartment in a vehicle interior for deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation. The panel comprises a thermoplastic inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined U-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a door in the panel and a flexible vinyl outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section on its inner surface forming the seam line. An intermediate resilient olefin foam or equivalent strength polyurethane foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along the seam line completely fills the void between the inner and outer layers and is adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers.
With this panel construction, only the outer skin along the seam line needs to be torn by inflation of the air bag, since the inner and foam layers include discrete abutting surfaces along the P-501 DRD ~ 5 ~ 2 ~ ~ 6 3 ~ 1 :
seam line. Thus, the door more easily breaXs loose to pivot open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel. Another advantage is that the outer skin is completely supported to present a smooth visible surface.
These and other features and advantages will become more readily apparent upon reference to the following detailed description of this invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a vehicle air bag installation having a decorative cover panel formed in accordance with this invention;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2 - 2 of Fig. l; and Fig. 3 is a detail view of a portion of Fig. 2, enlarged to better illustrate the details of construction.
3 ~ ~
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, a vehicle dashboard 10 mounts an inflatable air bag assembly 12 beneath its surface. The a sembly 12 includes a container 14 that is closed by a decorative panel 16. Panel 16 has an outer skin 18 having a profile matching the outer profile of dashboard 10. The air bag assembly 12 is incorporated into the styling scheme and forms a portion of the dashboard 10 which effectively conceals the air bag.
Referring additionally to Fig. 2, the container 14 is sheet steel and includes walls 20 which define a cavity 22 for receiving a cylindrical gas generator 24 and an inflatable air bag 26.
Container 14 has a front opening 28 which is closed by panel 16.
Panel 16 includes the outer skin layer 18, an inner support layer 30, and an intermediate foam layer 32 and comprises upper and lower mating door flaps 34, 36. The detailed construction of panel 16 and door flaps 34 and 36 will be later described.
2~6~
P-501 DRD ~ 7 ~
Gas generator 24 has a cylindrical outer housing 38 containing a plurality of nozzles 40 for directing gas into air bag 26 upon a predetermined vehicle impact, as will be later described. The gas generator illustrated is exemplary only and forms no part of this invention. It may be of any conventional construction.
Assembly 12 is mounted on a dashboard support bracket 42 by any conventional means, such as bolts 44 so that the surface of outer skin 18 lies flush with the surrounding dashboard surface.
The decorative cover panel 16 is of composite construction, as best seen in Fig. 3. The inner support layer 30 actually comprises an upper segment 46 and a lower segment 48 that abut each other along a horizontal parting line 50 and similar vertical lines 50a and 50b. The segments 46 and 48 are preferably made of a rigid thermoplastic material, although they could be made of aluminum.
P-501 DRD 8 ~ 2 0 ~ ~ 3 ~1 Upper segment 46 has an upper horizontal slightly reduced section 52 which forms an upper hinge line for this segment. Similarly, lower segment 48 has a lower slightly reduced section 54 which forms a lower hinge line.
The intermediate layer 32 comprises an upper segment 56 and a lower segment 58 which also abut each other along parting lines 50, 50a and 50b.
; 10 Segments 56 and 58 are made of a resilient foam, preferably an olefin foam or equivalent strength polyurethane foam, which are preferably adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers 18 and 30.
Outer skin layer 18 is preferably made of a soft, flexible vinyl and, unlike the inner and intermediate layers 30 and 32, is of a single piece of material. However, skin layer 16 contains an H-shaped (or inverted double U-shaped) groove comprising a horizontal portion 60 and spaced vertical portions 60a and 60b on its underside.
It is important that the intermediate foam segments 56 and 58 fully fill and support the groove 60, 60a and 60b. Otherwise, the skin layer 18 would sag perceptibly, marring the smoothness of the P-501 DRD ~ 9 ~ 2~3~
dashboard surface. To facilitate vehicle interior styling, it is important that the air bag cover doors be undetectable as such by the vehicle occupants.
These groove portions 60, 60a and 60b are weakened sections of skin layer 16 and define a frangible tear seam line, as will be later described.
The groove portions 60, 60a and 60b are coextensive with parting lines 50, 50a and 50b which together define the two U-shaped door flaps 34 and 36.
Operation of the invention will now be described. When the vehicle experiences a predetermined impact, gas generator 24 will be activated to rapidly direct a pressurized inert gas, such as nitrogen, through nozzles 40 into air bag 26.
As air bag 26 inflates, it exerts a rapidly increasing force against cover panel 16. The only resistance to the inflating air bag is provided by continuous skin 18 since the inner and intermediate segments 46, 48 and 56, 58 are unconnected and merely abut each other along parting lines 50, 50a and 50b.
Thus skin layer 18 will predictably fracture along the predetermined tear seam lines 60, 60a and 60b.This action separates panel 16 into the upper and lower door flaps 34 and 36 which will pivot open 20~3r~1 about hinge lines 52 and 54 to enable deployment ofthe inflating air bag into the vehicle interior in a well-known manner. Until actuation of the air bag, the construction of the decorative panel 16 in accordance with this invention effectively conceals the air bag location by unobtrusively blending into the dashboard styling.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, a vehicle dashboard 10 mounts an inflatable air bag assembly 12 beneath its surface. The a sembly 12 includes a container 14 that is closed by a decorative panel 16. Panel 16 has an outer skin 18 having a profile matching the outer profile of dashboard 10. The air bag assembly 12 is incorporated into the styling scheme and forms a portion of the dashboard 10 which effectively conceals the air bag.
Referring additionally to Fig. 2, the container 14 is sheet steel and includes walls 20 which define a cavity 22 for receiving a cylindrical gas generator 24 and an inflatable air bag 26.
Container 14 has a front opening 28 which is closed by panel 16.
Panel 16 includes the outer skin layer 18, an inner support layer 30, and an intermediate foam layer 32 and comprises upper and lower mating door flaps 34, 36. The detailed construction of panel 16 and door flaps 34 and 36 will be later described.
2~6~
P-501 DRD ~ 7 ~
Gas generator 24 has a cylindrical outer housing 38 containing a plurality of nozzles 40 for directing gas into air bag 26 upon a predetermined vehicle impact, as will be later described. The gas generator illustrated is exemplary only and forms no part of this invention. It may be of any conventional construction.
Assembly 12 is mounted on a dashboard support bracket 42 by any conventional means, such as bolts 44 so that the surface of outer skin 18 lies flush with the surrounding dashboard surface.
The decorative cover panel 16 is of composite construction, as best seen in Fig. 3. The inner support layer 30 actually comprises an upper segment 46 and a lower segment 48 that abut each other along a horizontal parting line 50 and similar vertical lines 50a and 50b. The segments 46 and 48 are preferably made of a rigid thermoplastic material, although they could be made of aluminum.
P-501 DRD 8 ~ 2 0 ~ ~ 3 ~1 Upper segment 46 has an upper horizontal slightly reduced section 52 which forms an upper hinge line for this segment. Similarly, lower segment 48 has a lower slightly reduced section 54 which forms a lower hinge line.
The intermediate layer 32 comprises an upper segment 56 and a lower segment 58 which also abut each other along parting lines 50, 50a and 50b.
; 10 Segments 56 and 58 are made of a resilient foam, preferably an olefin foam or equivalent strength polyurethane foam, which are preferably adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers 18 and 30.
Outer skin layer 18 is preferably made of a soft, flexible vinyl and, unlike the inner and intermediate layers 30 and 32, is of a single piece of material. However, skin layer 16 contains an H-shaped (or inverted double U-shaped) groove comprising a horizontal portion 60 and spaced vertical portions 60a and 60b on its underside.
It is important that the intermediate foam segments 56 and 58 fully fill and support the groove 60, 60a and 60b. Otherwise, the skin layer 18 would sag perceptibly, marring the smoothness of the P-501 DRD ~ 9 ~ 2~3~
dashboard surface. To facilitate vehicle interior styling, it is important that the air bag cover doors be undetectable as such by the vehicle occupants.
These groove portions 60, 60a and 60b are weakened sections of skin layer 16 and define a frangible tear seam line, as will be later described.
The groove portions 60, 60a and 60b are coextensive with parting lines 50, 50a and 50b which together define the two U-shaped door flaps 34 and 36.
Operation of the invention will now be described. When the vehicle experiences a predetermined impact, gas generator 24 will be activated to rapidly direct a pressurized inert gas, such as nitrogen, through nozzles 40 into air bag 26.
As air bag 26 inflates, it exerts a rapidly increasing force against cover panel 16. The only resistance to the inflating air bag is provided by continuous skin 18 since the inner and intermediate segments 46, 48 and 56, 58 are unconnected and merely abut each other along parting lines 50, 50a and 50b.
Thus skin layer 18 will predictably fracture along the predetermined tear seam lines 60, 60a and 60b.This action separates panel 16 into the upper and lower door flaps 34 and 36 which will pivot open 20~3r~1 about hinge lines 52 and 54 to enable deployment ofthe inflating air bag into the vehicle interior in a well-known manner. Until actuation of the air bag, the construction of the decorative panel 16 in accordance with this invention effectively conceals the air bag location by unobtrusively blending into the dashboard styling.
Claims (12)
1. A composite decorative panel for a vehicle interior having a predetermined tear seam line comprising:
a rigid inner layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, a flexible outer layer having a weakened section along said seam line created by a depression on its inner surface, and an intermediate layer of resilient foam having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line and completely filling the void between the inner and outer layers to completely support said outer layer to render said seam line invisible, said foam layer being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers.
a rigid inner layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, a flexible outer layer having a weakened section along said seam line created by a depression on its inner surface, and an intermediate layer of resilient foam having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line and completely filling the void between the inner and outer layers to completely support said outer layer to render said seam line invisible, said foam layer being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers.
2. A decorative panel for covering an air bag which is located in a storage compartment in a vehicle interior for deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation, comprising:
a rigid inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined U-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a door in the panel, a flexible outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section along said seam line on its inner surface, and an intermediate resilient foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, said foam layer being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers, whereby inflation of the air bag tears the outer skin along the seam line to pivot the door open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
a rigid inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined U-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a door in the panel, a flexible outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section along said seam line on its inner surface, and an intermediate resilient foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, said foam layer being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers, whereby inflation of the air bag tears the outer skin along the seam line to pivot the door open about a hinge line extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
3. The panel of claim 2, wherein the foam layer is configured to completely fill the void between the inner and outer layers to fully support the outer skin and prevent sagging thereof along said seam line to preserve its invisibility.
4. The panel of claim 2, wherein the intermediate resilient layer is formed of olefin foam or polyurethane foam.
5. The panel of claim 2, wherein the inner support layer is formed of a rigid thermoplastic material.
6. The panel of claim 2, wherein the flexible outer skin is vinyl.
7. A decorative panel for covering an air bag which is located in a storage compartment in a vehicle interior for deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation, comprising:
a rigid inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined H-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a pair of mating doors in the panel, a flexible outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section along said seam line on its inner surface, and an intermediate resilient foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, said foam layer being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers, whereby inflation of the air bag tears the outer skin along the seam line to pivot the doors open about hinge lines extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
a rigid inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined H-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define a pair of mating doors in the panel, a flexible outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section along said seam line on its inner surface, and an intermediate resilient foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, said foam layer being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers, whereby inflation of the air bag tears the outer skin along the seam line to pivot the doors open about hinge lines extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
8. The panel of claim 7, wherein the foam layer is configured to completely fill the void between the inner and outer layers to fully support the outer skin and prevent sagging thereof along said seam line to preserve its invisibility.
9. The panel of claim 7, wherein the intermediate resilient layer is formed of olefin foam or polyurethane foam.
10. The panel of claim 7, wherein the inner support layer is formed of a rigid thermoplastic material.
11. The panel of claim 7, wherein the flexible outer skin is vinyl.
12. A decorative panel for covering an air bag which is located in a storage compartment in a vehicle interior for deployment outwardly of the panel upon inflation, comprising:
a thermoplastic inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined H-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define mating doors in the panel, a flexible vinyl outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section along said seam line on its inner surface, and an intermediate resilient olefin or polyurethane foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, said foam layer completely filling the void between the inner and outer layers and being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers, whereby inflation of the air bag tears the outer skin along the seam line to pivot the doors open about hinge lines extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
a thermoplastic inner support layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along a predetermined H-shaped tear seam line partially framing the opening to define mating doors in the panel, a flexible vinyl outer skin layer presenting a smooth outer surface and having a weakened section along said seam line on its inner surface, and an intermediate resilient olefin or polyurethane foam layer having discrete surfaces abutting each other along said seam line, said foam layer completely filling the void between the inner and outer layers and being adhesively bonded to the inner and outer layers, whereby inflation of the air bag tears the outer skin along the seam line to pivot the doors open about hinge lines extending between the ends of the seam line to enable deployment of the air bag outwardly of the panel.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/623,694 US5222760A (en) | 1990-12-07 | 1990-12-07 | Decorative panel with invisible tear seam |
| US623,694 | 1990-12-07 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2056351A1 true CA2056351A1 (en) | 1992-06-08 |
Family
ID=24499062
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002056351A Abandoned CA2056351A1 (en) | 1990-12-07 | 1991-11-27 | Decorative panel with invisible tear seam |
Country Status (12)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5222760A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0495188B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH04314646A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR960002432B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU635671B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2056351A1 (en) |
| CS (1) | CS370791A3 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69119055T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2087218T3 (en) |
| HU (1) | HUT60675A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9102433A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL292666A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (39)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5072967A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1991-12-17 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Instrument panel with invisible airbag deployment door |
| US5389316A (en) * | 1991-08-13 | 1995-02-14 | Woodbridge Foam Corporation | Process for producing an energy absorbing panel |
| US5580651A (en) * | 1991-08-13 | 1996-12-03 | Woodbridge Foam Corporation | Energy absorbing panel |
| US5288103A (en) * | 1992-09-28 | 1994-02-22 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Airbag cover and apparatus for producing an invisible tear seam therein |
| JP2578196Y2 (en) * | 1992-12-04 | 1998-08-06 | 東洋ゴム工業株式会社 | Airbag device with inner door |
| DE69413006D1 (en) * | 1993-02-12 | 1998-10-08 | Woodbridge Foam Corp | Energy absorbing plate |
| US5407225A (en) * | 1993-08-19 | 1995-04-18 | Davidson Textron | Invisible airbag door having reinforced PVC shell |
| US5340149A (en) * | 1993-12-27 | 1994-08-23 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Door assembly with integral tether |
| US5395133A (en) * | 1994-02-04 | 1995-03-07 | Morton International, Inc. | Air bag reaction canister having softened edges |
| US5421608A (en) * | 1994-02-25 | 1995-06-06 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Trim panel having integral SIR door cover |
| US5447327A (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1995-09-05 | Morton International, Inc. | Arrangement for providing an air bag deployment opening |
| DE4418172A1 (en) * | 1994-05-25 | 1995-12-14 | Ebers & Mueller Fibrit | Interior trim part |
| FR2721876B1 (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 1996-10-04 | Ecia Equip Composants Ind Auto | COVERING STRUCTURE OF A MODEL WITH A LOGE INFLATABLE BAG IN AN ORGAN OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
| FR2721877B1 (en) * | 1994-06-30 | 1996-08-30 | Ecia Equip Composants Ind Auto | COVERING STRUCTURE OF A MODULE WITH AN INFLATABLE BAG IMPLANTED IN A COMPONENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
| US5533748A (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-07-09 | Morton International, Inc. | Invisible instrument panel or dashboard airbag cover door |
| DE19505214C2 (en) * | 1995-02-16 | 2000-05-04 | Johnson Contr Interiors Gmbh | Interior trim part for a side door of a passenger car |
| DE19516230C2 (en) * | 1995-05-03 | 1999-04-01 | Eldra Kunststofftechnik Gmbh | Airbag cover and process for its manufacture |
| US5530057A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 1996-06-25 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Filled aliphatic thermoplastic urethane automotive air bag door tear seam insert |
| DE29511172U1 (en) * | 1995-07-14 | 1996-02-01 | Peguform Werke Gmbh | Plastic cladding for vehicles equipped with airbag devices |
| US5792413A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-08-11 | Chrysler Corporation | Top cover for instrument panel with seamless air bag door and method of manufacture |
| US5590903A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-01-07 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems, Inc. | Deployment door assembly |
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| US6045153A (en) * | 1997-10-23 | 2000-04-04 | General Motors Corporation | Instrument panel cover arrangement and method of making |
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| US6753057B1 (en) * | 1998-09-14 | 2004-06-22 | Magna Interior Systems, Inc. | Trim articles with light stable covering containing invisible tear seam, and process of making the same |
| US6290252B1 (en) * | 1999-12-10 | 2001-09-18 | Trw Inc. | Air bag module |
| US6709007B2 (en) * | 2000-02-15 | 2004-03-23 | Collins & Aikman Automotive Company Inc. | Airbag door and method for making same |
| US6402189B1 (en) * | 2000-02-15 | 2002-06-11 | Textron Automotive Company, Inc | Airbag door and method for making same |
| US6568707B2 (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2003-05-27 | Lear Corporation | Molded seamless vehicle interior panel for concealing an airbag |
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| EP1391284A1 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-02-25 | Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd. | Laminated structure and method for manufacturing the same |
| KR100452290B1 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2004-10-12 | 현대모비스 주식회사 | Horizontal mounting type assistant air bag structure improved development performance |
| US7093850B2 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2006-08-22 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Instrument panel with integral hidden door cover and method of manufacture thereof |
| US20070246918A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2007-10-25 | Speelman Phillip B | Instrument panel with integral hidden door cover and method of manufacture thereof |
| US20080315566A1 (en) * | 2007-06-20 | 2008-12-25 | Andrasik Iii Joseph | Instrument panel with integral hidden door cover and method of manufacture thereof |
| US9278500B2 (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2016-03-08 | Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc. | Vehicle interior panels with sealed stitching |
| JP2017140966A (en) * | 2016-02-12 | 2017-08-17 | 日本プラスト株式会社 | Airbag cover |
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| US3756617A (en) * | 1969-09-15 | 1973-09-04 | Eaton Corp | Safety apparatus |
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| US4246213A (en) * | 1978-08-02 | 1981-01-20 | Nissan Motor Company, Limited | Method of producing a cover member for a safety air-cushion |
| JPH01122754A (en) * | 1987-11-05 | 1989-05-16 | Sekisui Chem Co Ltd | Air bag storage casing |
| JPH01144153U (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1989-10-03 | ||
| US4842300A (en) * | 1988-04-01 | 1989-06-27 | Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. | Vehicle air bag module with internal reinforcing structure |
| DE69013778T2 (en) * | 1989-07-14 | 1995-06-08 | Tip Eng Group Inc | Arrangement for forming an opening for inflating an air cushion. |
| US5082310A (en) * | 1989-11-06 | 1992-01-21 | Tip Engineering Group, Inc. | Arrangement for providing an air bag deployment opening |
| US4968057A (en) * | 1989-12-11 | 1990-11-06 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Cover assembly for an airbag unit |
| US5072967A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1991-12-17 | Davidson Textron Inc. | Instrument panel with invisible airbag deployment door |
-
1990
- 1990-12-07 US US07/623,694 patent/US5222760A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1991
- 1991-11-27 CA CA002056351A patent/CA2056351A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-11-29 EP EP91120601A patent/EP0495188B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-11-29 DE DE69119055T patent/DE69119055T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-11-29 ES ES91120601T patent/ES2087218T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-12-02 AU AU88332/91A patent/AU635671B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-12-05 JP JP3348455A patent/JPH04314646A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-12-06 CS CS913707A patent/CS370791A3/en unknown
- 1991-12-06 PL PL29266691A patent/PL292666A1/en unknown
- 1991-12-06 HU HU913848A patent/HUT60675A/en unknown
- 1991-12-06 MX MX9102433A patent/MX9102433A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-12-06 KR KR1019910022278A patent/KR960002432B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| HU913848D0 (en) | 1992-04-28 |
| ES2087218T3 (en) | 1996-07-16 |
| US5222760A (en) | 1993-06-29 |
| PL292666A1 (en) | 1992-08-10 |
| HUT60675A (en) | 1992-10-28 |
| EP0495188B1 (en) | 1996-04-24 |
| KR960002432B1 (en) | 1996-02-17 |
| DE69119055D1 (en) | 1996-05-30 |
| AU8833291A (en) | 1992-06-18 |
| EP0495188A1 (en) | 1992-07-22 |
| DE69119055T2 (en) | 1996-11-28 |
| CS370791A3 (en) | 1992-06-17 |
| AU635671B2 (en) | 1993-03-25 |
| JPH04314646A (en) | 1992-11-05 |
| MX9102433A (en) | 1992-06-01 |
| KR920011828A (en) | 1992-07-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |